The Deserving

Trying to keep a low profile, a mute serial killer working as a freelance photographer is set to kill himself to no longer be haunted by the ghosts of his victims but is interrupted by a walk-in client unaware of the situation and tries to deal with his plans as well as his new client.

This was a massively disappointing and not worthwhile genre thriller. The main setup here doesn't allow us much of a chance to get to know anything that's going on due to the characters' condition. With the whole thing taking place with a mute character, there are no dynamics in place to keep this one interesting as it goes along with so many scenes requiring inference from promotional materials or outside sources to determine what's going on. Since we get nothing about him being a serial killer or why he's leaving such an obvious trail back to him in the first place due to the deaths supposedly taking place at the same location his photoshoot cover business is taking place so the disappearances are easily traced back to him, the story comes across as far too confusing for its own good simply because it's trying to lay out a gimmick it doesn't require. As well, there's far too much of the film simply relying on picking up hints about what's going on rather than outright spelling it out due to using this tactic. Since we never get to learn much about him beyond a series of flimsy excuses for a motivation based on a rough upbringing that is neither that interesting nor original due to the cliched nature of the setup, it's not that intriguing or original to see play out so the hauntings and depression don't register as much as they should with everything barreling towards the obvious from the very start. While it's chilling enough to see the ghostly figures here in their few sequences where they get to show off their deformed look which is quite creepy, it's not enough to keep this one up from the rest of the issues at play within this one.

Rated Unrated/R: Language and Violence.

At the outset, I am not necessarily a big fan of horror movies. Yet, The Deserving is far more than just a horror film-it's a poignant exploration of the human psyche, masterfully wrapped in a chilling narrative. The movie takes a step beyond the typical genre conventions, delving deep into the inner turmoil of its main character, reflecting the fragility of the human mind.

In a society where mental illness is increasingly prevalent, The Deserving invites viewers to confront the haunting realities of personal struggle. It paints a raw, relatable picture of how the protagonist's fears and insecurities manifest as external threats-blurring the lines between reality and imagination. "We could see ourselves relating to the storyline," not just because of its supernatural elements, but because it so skillfully mirrors the very real anxieties and emotions many of us grapple with in our daily lives.

Special shoutout to Venkat Sai Gunda and team for outstanding acting, screenplay and direction.

This is a psychological horror that brilliantly combines suspense with a meaningful message. Venkat 's portrayal of Karter Sai, a man burdened by guilt and haunted by his past, is both haunting and captivating. The film's use of a mute protagonist adds an intriguing layer, showcasing the power of non-verbal storytelling.

Director Arora masterfully builds tension, blending supernatural elements with deep, emotional undertones. The film's exploration of trauma and redemption makes it stand out among indie horrors. A must-watch for fans of dark, thought-provoking cinema.

Overall a great watch for weekend.

I love the concept! Story, Screenplay, direction and most importantly acting is fabulous. If you are wanting to watch a good horror thriller on a Friday night, you deserve "The Deserving". I liked it 10 out of 10 for me.

Overall screenplay is good, location plays a big part. The last one that I enjoyed a most was conjuring. Wish I had a chance to watch it in the theatre however I saw it was available in Amazon Prime for rent. We decided to try it out in our little home theatre but worth a watch.

The serial killer and all those beautiful girls who added life to this movie and the Art department, a very good movie.

The Deserving is a gripping psychological horror that explores themes of guilt, trauma, and redemption. Venkat Sai Gunda delivers an impressive performance as Karter Sai, a mute protagonist haunted by his past. His ability to convey deep emotions without dialogue is truly commendable.

Director S. S. Arora crafts a suspenseful atmosphere, blending eerie visuals with a powerful societal message. The ghosts serve as a reminder that no sin goes unpunished, adding depth to the. With its numerous international awards, The Deserving proves that indie horror can be both thought-provoking and terrifying. Definitely worth a watch for fans of psychological horror.